There’s nothing like a gorgeous winter wonderland in Northern Virginia. Snow is generally rare enough that most of us still consider it a treat. But heavy snow and ice can damage trees and shrubs. Improper snow removal can also hurt fragile plants. That’s why preparing trees and shrubs for winter weather is essential. Professional pruning can help your landscaping survive and thrive if damage occurs. Which Trees and Shrubs Are Susceptible to Damage? According to Iowa State University, … [Read more...]

Wow! What a year for fall color. It’s been a while since Loudoun has experienced such autumnal splendor. As the leaves fall and winter approaches, our thoughts turn to pruning as trees grow bare and dormant. Late winter is an excellent time to prune many trees and shrubs. What Is Pruning? Pruning refers to removing parts of plants, including branches and twigs, to shape the plant and promote growth. It’s an opportunity to remove dead and diseased branches and promote the development of new … [Read more...]

Think of your driveway as the welcome mat for your yard. It’s more than just a way of getting from point A to point B. A driveway takes up more visual space than many of us realize. Whether short or long, we want our driveway to be attractive and inviting. However, landscaping a driveway is different from the rest of your yard. Visibility is essential, and runoff from the hard surface is a factor. But with the right combination of landscaping and hardscaping, you can enhance the entrance to your … [Read more...]

As July rolls around in the Mid-Atlantic, it means a shift in our approach to mowing. Late spring and early summer mean weekly mows and shorter lengths as lawn growth peaks. Scorching July and August heat can mean less frequent mowing. But we still need to mow consistently to keep our lawns healthy. How often should we mow our lawns in summer? Should I Mow Less Frequently When It’s Hot? As summer temperatures rise, we work to stay consistent while mowing at a longer length. Consistent mowing … [Read more...]

It’s been a weird winter in Virginia so far. We started warm and wet and then turned frigid and snowy in the new year. But many of us are already thinking spring and have one big question: what the heck should I do with my lawn this winter? In a nutshell, winter is the time to care for and protect your lawn. It helps to know a little bit about what’s going on with those beautiful blades while we’re spending more time inside. Does My Grass Still Grow In Winter Your grass usually takes a growth … [Read more...]

When we think about landscaping in winter, we often think about planning. Not planting. Winter is an excellent time to dream, design, and think big for spring. But there’s also a surprising amount of planting that can happen during the winter months, especially in regions like ours where winters tend to be relatively mild. The good news is, even as the holidays approach, it’s not too late to plant. In fact, cold weather helps some plants and trees become stronger and healthier. However, winter … [Read more...]

Ahh, fall. It’s one of the most beautiful times of year in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia. What’s the best approach to managing autumn leaves? Should you remove them or let them be? Here’s a quick guide to leaf removal and a few additional tips for fall and winter yard cleanup. Should I Remove Leaves From My Lawn? Clearing leaves is an essential part of fall lawn care. If you let leaves pile up, they can block all-important fall sunlight from nourishing your lawn. Leaves can also trap … [Read more...]

It’s still patio season! We’ve had a blast at summer gatherings-- with fireflies glowing and cicadas humming. Now it’s time to enjoy fire pits and other hardscaping features that make patio life even more enjoyable. But how do you keep the non-living elements of your landscape looking their best? Even when you take excellent care of your hardscapes, weather, wear and tear, weeds and insects can take a toll. But don’t stress. Your outdoor spaces are meant to be enjoyed. Use them, have fun with … [Read more...]

Summer is winding down, and little by little, the leaves are letting go of their branches. All the growing and blooming, mowing, and weeding will soon slow and stop. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to turn away from your landscape. In fact, fall is one of the most productive and rewarding times to focus on landscape design. You can plan, prepare, prune and plant and work with your landscaper to help your plants survive the winter and make a glowing reappearance next spring. Another plus:  your … [Read more...]

With plenty of rain this summer, most of us are still in full-on mowing mode in July. But Dryer late-summer weather will be here before we know it. Hotter temps can lead to end-of-summer brown spots and bare patches in our lawns. After the booming growth period of midsummer, late summer/early fall is a perfect time to focus on enriching our properties through aeration and overseeding. These tried-and-true techniques help us keep our lawns healthy and beautiful and lay the groundwork for a robust … [Read more...]